Phi Ma, an online game produced by Viet Nam's VTC company. Enterprises interested in providing online gaming services need to get a licence and get approval for the content of the games and script. — Photo vnexpress.net

(Biz Hub) — Enterprises interested in providing online gaming services need to consider some important issues.

While selecting the appropriate method to provide online games, they need to get a licence for the same, get approval for the content of the games and script, and complete procedures for notifying and registering with the competent authorities.

In order to provide electronic games for multiple players via a game server system, the enterprises must obtain a licence that allows provision of electronic game services, and also the Ministry of Information and Communications' approval of the content and script of each online game. If the enterprises provide online games and arbitrarily conduct business activities without such approvals and licences, they will be fined between VND50 million to 70 million (US$2,380-$3,333).

To get a licence for providing electronic game services, enterprises must first have a business registration certificate for online gaming services. In addition, they have to register their respective domain names, must have sufficient financial and technical capacity, organisational structure and personnel adequate for the scale of operations, and appropriate safety and security measures for protecting information.

The duration of the validity of the licence to provide electronic game services depends on the enterprises' request, but it cannot exceed 10 years. Enterprises that establish systems and equipment to provide online games without the aforementioned licence or use an expired licence will be fined between VND70 million to 100 million.

There are a different set of rules regarding electronic games which involve interactions between the player and the game server system only; those that involve interactions among multiple players and no interaction between the players and the game server system; and games downloaded from the Internet which do not involve interaction among the players and between them and the game server system.

Enterprises can provide the aforementioned services after they obtain a business registration certificate for provision of online game services. They neither need a licence for providing electronic game services nor any approval of the game content and script. However, the enterprises must complete the registration procedures and announce the provision of electronic games as required by the Ministry of Information and Communications.

If the enterprises provide electronic games without a registration certificate or with an expired certificate, a fine of VND50 million to 70 million will be imposed. They will also be fined between VND30 million to 50 million in case they don't have a written confirmation that certifies the completion of the procedures for announcement of electronic game services.

Additionally, these enterprises must also have registered domain names, certain financial, technical, organisational and personnel capacities, and must have implemented measures to maintain information safety and security.

PLF – LAW FIRM